How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa as an Indian Citizen

Are you ready to explore Vietnam's wonderful landscapes, delicious food, and lively culture? From the imagery of Ha Long Bay's stunning limestone formations to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, there is much to see and do in this Southeast Asian country. But before you grab your suitcase and take off, there is one important thing to take care of: getting a tourist visa.

Whether it be the promise of relaxing on a beautiful beach or exploring an |ancient temple, all the while eating a steaming bowl of Pho, your visa application will be the very first step you take on this travel adventure. The good news for citizens from India is that applying for a Vietnam tourist visa is relatively easier than imagined. With two easy choices—an e-visa or a visa on arrival—you’ll be sipping fresh coconut water in Vietnam in no time! Let’s take a look at the straightforward steps to get a Vietnam tourist visa for Indians.

Related Article : Vietnam Visa for Indians.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa for Indians?

1. Make Sure Your Passport is Valid

Before applying for a visa to Vietnam, you need to hold a valid Indian passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the expected entry date to the country. In case it is nearing expiration, renew the same first.

2. Get Your E-Visa Online

Applying for a tourist visa for Vietnam from India can be easily done online. You can do everything from home. Here's a simple guide to help you out:

• Go to the Official E-Visa Portal: First, go to the official Vietnam e-visa website. Make sure it is a real government website to avoid any scams.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application with your info, passport details, and dates of travel. All fields must be checked to remove any errors that may cause delays in your application.
• Upload Necessary Documents: You will be required to upload a scanned copy of the bio-data page of your passport, the page with your photo and details on it, and a recent passport-sized photo, 4x6 in size, in the format specified.
• Pay the Visa Fee: You can pay for the e-visa fee online via the portal. You can use a debit or credit card, and you will be brought to the Vietnam tourist visa price before you finish the payment process
• Get Your E-Visa: Once your application has been processed, you will get your e-visa by email. You must print it and keep it safe with you during the trip. The visa will allow you to stay in Vietnam for a period of up to 30 days and has just one entry.

3. Visa on Arrival

In case you aren't willing to apply for an E-visa, a visa on arrival is possible in the event of entering Vietnam by air. The process goes like this:

• Find a Vietnamese Travel Agency: Initially, you will need to acquire a pre-approval letter for your visa. Choose a travel agency in Vietnam that fits best, to do this on your behalf. Be prepared to provide your passport details, as well as those of your trip.
• Receive Your Approval Letter: Your application will then be processed by the agency, and sooner than you might think, you will receive your approval letter via email. Make sure to have this with you before you get on your flight to Vietnam. However, it is important to remember that this is not a visa.
• Show This Approval Letter Upon Arrival: This is presented at any one of the Vietnam international airports- Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Da Nang- together with your passport and visa fee (along with a submission of arrival form). Then, the immigration officials will issue you a tourist visa by stamping it into your passport, and you're done!

4. Documents Required for a Tourist visa for Vietnam from India

Whenever you intend to apply for either an e-visa or a visa on arrival, the following documents should generally be on your list of requirements.

• Valid Indian Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your travel date.
• Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: This should be a modern, clear passport-sized photo measuring 4x6 cm. 
• Completed Visa Application Form: Along with the e-visa application, this form can be taken by a travel agency if you intend to go for a visa on arrival.
• Confirmed Return Flight Ticket: You need to furnish proof of the return ticket showing the date of flying from Vietnam.
• Proof of Accommodation: This can either be a hotel booking or similar documents showing the accommodation location. 
• Work Permit Fee Payment Confirmation: Print and retain a copy of the receipt or confirmation for payment of the dues related to the visa.

5. Things to Keep in Mind

For your visa application process to be both successful and smooth, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• VISA Duration: Check how long you can stay based on the type of visa you are opting for. While an e-visa comes with a 30-day single entry, a visa on arrival may have different conditions depending on the travel agency and approval you get.
• Passport Photo Requirements: You are required to maintain a specific size and clarity of the passport photo; otherwise, if it doesn't comply, the application can be rejected.
• VISA Processing Time: E-visa and visa-upon-arrival processing times may differ. An e-visa application takes an average of 3 to 5 working days. However, the approval letters for the visa upon arrival may take up to a week. It is always best to apply early to avoid any rush.
• Entry Points for E-Visas: You can enter using an e-visa through prescribed entry points, which are international airports and approved land crossings and seaports. You only need to ensure that the entry point is suitable for e-visa holders.
• Other Documents: Sometimes, you may be required to produce other supporting documents, such as proof of funds or an invitation letter. It is, therefore important to check with the embassy or your travel agency if there are such requirements for your type of visa.

Final Thoughts

It is quite easy and flexible for Indian citizens to obtain a tourist visa for Vietnam. Either go for the fast e-visa or get the visa on arrival arranged by a travel agency. Just make sure all your documents are in order, leave plenty of time for processing, and double-check your travel plans to make your entry as smooth as possible. Vietnam will give you some wonderful experiences, be it in bustling cities or relaxing amidst beautiful landscapes.

Consider travel insurance for Vietnam by Niva Bupa to be better prepared for things like medical emergencies, delays, and other surprises. Now that visa and travel insurance are taken care of by us, the memories and great times that await you in Vietnam are yours to cherish and experience to the fullest.

FAQs

How long does it take for Indian citizens to get a Vietnam e-visa?

Usually, getting a Vietnam e-visa takes about 3 to 5 business days. Applying early's a good idea, so you don't run into any delays right before your trip.

Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival at every entry point in Vietnam?

Not really. The visa on arrival is only an option for those flying into international airports in Vietnam, like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.

How long is a Vietnam tourist visa valid for Indian citizens?

A Vietnam e-visa is good for 30 days and allows one entry. For other types of visas, like the ones you get with a visa on arrival, the length of validity depends on the approval letter from the Vietnamese travel agency.